Jill Biden Speaks Out Against Anti-Gay Bullying: ‘No Child Should Be Subjected To That’

Second Lady Jill Biden spoke out against anti-gay bullying at the Parents, Families, & Friends of Lesbians and Gays’ (PFLAG) national convention this afternoon, and congratulated the organization for “shining a light” on LGBT equality in “places where yours is the only voice of support and acceptance”:

We have all heard painful stories of bullying and harassment. And we have read too many accounts of heartbreaking incidents where kids are driven to take their own lives rather than endure the taunting of their peers. No child should be subjected to that. And no parent should suffer that horrific loss.

We know the devastating price of the failure to confront a hostile school climate where bullying and harassment can be daily occurrences. Together, we all need to stand up and do our part to keep all of our kids safe, and give them the love, support and acceptance they need to learn and grow and fulfill their dreams. […]

I want to say to each of you here today: thank you for raising your voice and working together to open minds, shift attitudes and support all of our sons and daughters, students and neighbors.Some of you come from places where yours is the only voice of support and acceptance – but when you speak, people listen. And we need you to keep speaking out, to keep shining a light on this important issue.

Biden highlighted the administration’s accomplishments on behalf of LGBT rights and thanked the group for “your courage and commitment — and for promoting the dignity of your sons and daughters.” Read the full speech here.